Cinema Ventures, Inc. announces a new concept in cinema entertainment for Worcester County.
Entrepreneurs, Peter Safiol and Howard Himmel, owners of Cinema Ventures, Inc. of Clinton, Massachusetts announced that it will be bringing a new twist to the movie going experience to Clinton, Massachusetts. Located at the site of the former Strand Theatre, in downtown Clinton, Cinema Ventures, Inc. will introduce "The Last Strand," a play on the theaters original name. Known in the trade as a cinema pub, "The Last Strand" will feature the finest in recent motion picture entertainment on one of the largest screens in Worcester County. Equipped with Ultra Stereo Surround Sound, "The Last Strand" will provide its patrons with a presentation second to none in the area.
Unique to "The Last Strand" is the cinema pub concept where theatre patrons can enjoy a snack or a light meal while watching a current motion picture on the big screen. Beer and wine are available to adults as well as normal theatre concession fare. Young couples and families find this concept to be an affordable and relaxing night out.
Cinema Ventures' President, Peter Safiol, says that he believes that this concept will revolutionize the way people enjoy movies. The cinema pub concept, though relatively new to New England, has proven extremely successful in the Southern states. Couples and families come to the cinema pubs to enjoy a relaxing evening at the movies and a light dinner without the hassles of waiting in line at the multiplex theaters. Safiol says "our lower ticket price means that the average couple on a budget will be able to enjoy a movie and a meal for less than just a movie alone at our competition."
Massive alterations that have been underway for the past several months at the site of the old Strand Theatre are now nearing completion. Walls have been re-plastered, new carpeting and gallons of paint applied to restore the Strand Theatre to its once elegant state. In fact, the original marquee, now considered as a historical landmark, is also being renovated. Safiol said, "We decided to restore the marquee due to the overwhelming response from local residents and the surrounding towns."
The completed facility will be wheelchair accessible and equipped for the hearing impaired. Totally refurbished seating and new heating/air conditioning systems are presently being installed. A state of the art projection and sound system is being readied for installation by Cinema Service and Supply of Lynn, Massachusetts. Says Safiol, "we plan on offering a presentation second to none in the area."
"The Last Strand" will seat approximately 300 patrons who will be served by waitresses discretely and unobtrusively during the presentation. Although the final menu is still in development, the enticing scent of freshly popped popcorn, fresh pizza, sandwiches, hot dinner specials, and other finger foods will soon be wafting down the aisles.
The Strand Theatre was built in 1923 and operated as a vaudeville theatre and movie house until the late 1970's. A brief attempt to reopen the theatre in the early 1980's proved unsuccessful. The building has been vacant since that time.
Mr. Safiol and his staff are working seven days a week to prepare the cinema for its opening. Plans for a gala opening are in the works.
"The Last Strand" is located at 58 High Street in downtown Clinton. Convenient parking is located nearby.